About The Property Geeks

Geek of the Week – Ashley Rundell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet our Geek of the Week – new mama, Ashley Rundell. She’s been geeking out over her new baby boy, Lincoln James, who just turned six weeks old! Ashley and her husband, Devan, have been embracing being parents to two kids under two, and are just trying to hold on for the wild ride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never one to rest or relax for too long, Ashley has taken on a humongous summer project. She’s refinishing an entire antique Jenny Lind nursery set including a crib, changing table, child-size rocking chair and a high chair for Lincoln’s nursery. She’s asked the other geeks to check periodically for updates and to hold her accountable for getting it finished before Lincoln is too big to use it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to furniture refinishing, Ashley’s summer plans also include planting a huge garden, swimming lessons for her daughter, Charli, and plenty of backyard barbecues. But the biggest goal is for the Rundell family to adapt to becoming a family of four. When they include their two dogs in the count, that makes them a family of six!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Geeks have no doubt that Ashley’s up for the challenge! We just hope she finds time to bring that baby to the office this summer so we can all have a chance to snuggle him.

 

Geek of the Week: Caarin Pannkuk

We caught up with our Head Geek, Caarin Pannkuk, for a few minutes between appointments to find out what she’s been geeking out about lately. Turns out she’s been floating on clouds for the past week or so due to the purchase of some land she and her husband have been waiting on to finally close. After three-hundred-seventy-five days of patience, pushing and reworking some legal and title issues, they’re now the proud owners of “the magic bridge” up at Big Blake Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This particular piece of land holds special memories for Caarin. Her family has a cabin just up the road and she grew up exploring this natural patch of undisturbed property: watching the creek flow, walking around the shore, and absorbing the beauty of the views. The bridge that connected this land and the land across the creek was magic in her little kid eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that she and Joe have kids of their own, when they’ve visited their own cabin on the lake they’ve always walked down to the end of the road and let their girls take in the beauty of it all. The excitement has come full circle since the girls now get to experience the same awe and joy Caarin once did as a child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She and Joe feel fortunate to have been able to build a place of their own on Big Blake Lake, surrounded by family and friends, and have been further blessed by getting to enjoy that with their children. Being able to buy the “magic bridge” property is a dream come true and they plan to build a family cabin on it — hopefully sooner rather than later!

Geek of the Week: Desiree Sherry

Desiree Sherry has been a busy Geek lately! Balancing her time between her property management and real estate businesses has kept her on her toes. She’ll do whatever it takes for her clients though… even if it means pulling personal property to help stage a home for photos!

In the little bit of down time she’s had lately, she did manage a date night with her significant other. They were able to catch up with friends and enjoy the first bonfire of the season.

If she’s not at work she can pretty much guarantee she’s spending time outside. She’s been getting the garden ready to plant and pruning all of her shrubs. Since the snow has finally melted, her family pulled their camper out of storage and was able to get it set up at their seasonal site. Her family likes to split their time between two different locations in Wisconsin. Jellystone in Warrens is one of their favorite places to camp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s set up as a resort style campground with plenty of fun activities: lazy river, wave pool, a man-made swimming lake with a beach, three pools, water slides, mini golf, an outdoor movie theater and lots more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their other top destination is a county park in upper Wisconsin. It’s the complete opposite from Jellystone since it has no pool or water slides. The big draw there is the creek that runs through the campground. Her kids spend their time catching frogs and crayfish and jumping off the boat launch. The adults enjoy kicking back to relax. It’s her family’s secret hideaway but if you really want to know the name of it, she can probably be convinced to share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They’ll have an extra family member at the campsite this summer. Meet their newest addition — Dash the cat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He’s been getting used to the car rides and will hopefully enjoy spending time at the camper just as much as the rest of the family!

Geek of the Week: Lindsay Reddy

Welcome Lindsay Reddy as our Geek of the Week! She said she didn’t have anything exciting enough to post, but this mom of two has plenty going on.

She’s like the Energizer bunny, always on the go with tons of enthusiasm and energy to spare. When she’s not chasing her kiddos, affectionately referred to as Frick and Frack, she’s either holding down the front at the office or running spreadsheets on a potential deal. She’s a numbers gal and geeks out about evaluating investment properties and negotiating for her clients.

She and her husband Mike enjoy a rare night out without the kids and recently celebrated their sixth anniversary by playing B-I-N-G-O at their favorite local dive and taking a cab home. (Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!) On the rare occasion she has a chance to sit down, she enjoys sipping her Keto coffee while looking out over Union Lake in Northfield.

Though the Spring Market has been challenging, she’s looking forward to the snow melting so she can get out and find her buyers the best deals in this crazy seller’s market.

Geek of the Week: Hannah Smith

Welcome Hannah Smith into the spotlight as our Geek of the Week! She’s headed to warmer weather tomorrow–one day late thanks to the unexpected winter storm that dumped over a foot of snow in the south metro this weekend. She can’t wait to get outside without a jacket and catch sight of some greenery. Spring is one of her favorite seasons and it’s taking way too long to get here.

Hannah’s been on a travel streak lately, having had the chance to travel to Amsterdam and Paris late last year with her significant other. Experiencing her first trip to Europe was amazing and she’s now dying to go back and collect even more stamps on her passport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When she’s not chasing her travel dreams around the globe, she’s chasing her daughter right here in Minnesota who seems to be three going on thirteen. She’s getting a kick out of the phrases Anora is picking up at Spanish school and trying to stay just one step ahead of her busy toddler. Hopefully she’ll get to plan a kid-friendly trip in the near future… maybe even a Disney cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Spring market in full swing, Hannah’s been busy fielding questions about buying and selling. She says her friends laugh at how animated she gets when she’s talking about real estate, especially investment properties.  “I get excited talking about investing and helping others come up with creative ideas to get their own investments into reality.” Her dreams include building an extensive investment portfolio of her own in the not-so-distant future.

Now that she’s got several years under her belt she’s grateful for the many wonderful referrals she’s been receiving from past clients, friends and family. She loves experiencing new transactions every day and working with people in all stages of life.

We hope you have a great time on vacation, Hannah! Bring some of that sunshine home with you, please!

 

Nekeya Broadnax

Geek of the Week: Nekeya Broadnax

Happy Birthday, Nekeya! Not only does she always share her birthday with April Fool’s Day, but this year she gets to celebrate Easter as well.

You could try to wish her a Happy Birthday/April Fool’s Day/Easter, but you’d have to catch up to her first. Nekeya is constantly on the go. And we don’t just mean showing houses. Next to real estate, traveling is her passion. When she’s not geeking out about real estate investments, she loves to head out on international trips with the long-term goal of becoming an international property specialist. From a recent trip to Thailand to a future trip to Tokyo, she’s all about seeing everything the world has to offer.

“The things I love most about traveling are: trying new foods and drinks, exploring new beaches and dive spots, culture and did I mention the food?”

Here she is checking out Thailand…

Thailand-NekeyaThailand-Nekeya2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a quick trip to Florida for Spring Break…

Florida-Nekeya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter where she might be geographically, the things she most enjoys don’t change: family, yoga, long walks to the beach, volleyball, and caramel macchiatos!

Nekeya-familyNekeya-macchiato

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for being our Geek of the Week, Nekeya! We can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you!

Geek of the Week: Sarah Ruhland

We’re starting a new thing at The Property Geeks called “Geek of the Week” where we’ll feature one of our geeks so you can get to know them better. First up is Property Geek Sarah Ruhland.

We wanted to shine the spotlight on Sarah first because we’re all trying to live vicariously through her over Spring Break. She’s out in Arizona with her family, enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine while the rest of us are willing Mother Nature to pick up the pace and melt the Minnesota snow.

Here are some of the highlights of her trip…

Antelope Canyon

Exploring Antelope Canyon with the family.

Open House

Checking out the local real estate market at an open house. (You’re on vacation, Sarah!!!)

Cactus

Discovering vegetation comparable to the towering pines we have in Minnesota!

Performing quality control at a local chocolate shop.

Enjoying the local scenery and taking note of the amazing curb appeal!

Chilling poolside

Chilling poolside…we’re sure she’s listening to a real estate podcast, too!

Golfing

Perfecting her drive on the golf range.

Checking out the Grand Canyon… a definite highlight!

 
 
 
We’re glad Sarah has been having a good time with her family, but we’re ready for her to get back to the office! (And bring some of that sunshine with her!)

Grand Opening Recap

What a week it’s been for the geeks! Last Thursday we celebrated our official grand opening with a ribbon cutting and open house. It was a fantastic evening and the love and support we received overwhelmed us! We wanted to share some photos from the event and sincerely thank everyone who attended or sent their well wishes. It’s because of you… our clients, colleagues, vendors, mentors, and supporters that we’re able to do what we do. A huge thank you to the city officials, other local business owners, Lakeville Chamber members, fellow real estate professionals, and teammates from the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lovejoy Real Estate offices who came out in support. We appreciate each and every one of you!

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year! So we decided the whole team needed to share what they are grateful for as we wrap up 2017 and race toward a new year…

Hannah - Thankful

 

 

Hannah: “I’m thankful for my tiny but fierce Anora, the crockpot, and all of the supportive people in my life rooting for my success.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankful - Sarah

 

Sarah: “I am so very thankful for my husband. We’ve been together since we were teenagers, which means we have done a lot of growing together. He supports me when I try new things, makes me laugh when I need it most, and goes along with most of my crazy ideas. Oh yeah – I am super thankful for his handyman skills too!! New carpet on the stairs, paint, trim, and railing! (Just one of my crazy ideas…) He gives to others whenever they are in need, stays very calm through tough times, and is an amazing dad to our kids. I’m also thankful for my steering wheel heater – something I never knew I needed but couldn’t live without. ”

 

 

 

Theresa

 

Theresa: “As I ponder and reflect on the many things I am thankful for, one of the most recent changes for our family comes to mind. In early spring we moved to Lakeville! We were immediately warmly welcomed to the neighborhood by many amazing families bringing treats and cards. I am thankful each and every day for the opportunities our children have by being a part of such a wonderful school district, and community. My hope is for our family to give as much love and acceptance back to the community as we have received.” #lakevillelove

 

 

Thankful - Karla2

Thankful - Karla

 

Karla: “I am thankful for my 3 happy, healthy, capable children. They are grateful for all they have, and show it by sharing their time and gifts with others. I am thankful that after hanging out with the same guy for 29 years, we continue to have a lot of fun together. He continues to surprise me, support my crazy ideas, and makes me laugh every day. I am thankful for crossing paths with Sarah this past spring. She lead me to The Property Geeks, undoubtedly the BEST real estate team! I am thankful for their friendship, patience and willingness to share their knowledge with me. I am thankful that Blake Shelton was named the Sexiest Man Alive. Oh, and for coffee.”

 

 

Nekeya

 

 

Nekeya: “I am thankful for so many things! I love being able to travel with my family and friends. And I’m grateful for my incredible network that has helped me grow into the person I am today! Plus internet, hot water, friendship, family, having a chance to experience different cultures, getting to work in real estate and last, but not least, Thai iced coffee. ”

 

 

 

 

 

Julian

Julian 2

 

 

Julian: “I am thankful for my family, friends and coworkers who believe in me. I am thankful for the Vikings and Timberwolves being amazing this season as well! I am thankful for my clients who trust me with their real estate needs. I’m also very thankful for my girlfriend. She listens to all of my crazy ideas and is very supportive of me!”

 

 

 

 

Kim

 

Kim: “I’m thankful for so much this year… my family (especially my ever-patient husband), my supportive network of friends, the opportunities I’ve had this past year to further my dreams while I still try to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I’m especially thankful for my morning cup of coffee, the creation of flavored creamers and my discovery of mashed potato bars. Who knew that was a thing?”

 

 

 

And since no one wanted to go after Caarin, we saved hers for last!

Thankful - CaarinCaarin: “I am eternally thankful to my amazing parents. You see… I am one of the lucky ones. I truly have two of the most amazing parents a girl could ever ask for. They were extra strict in all of the “right ways” that made me angry with them as a teenager, and love and understand them as an adult and mother myself. They have worried more hours, dried more of my tears, and continue to be more supportive than I could ever imagine. Not only did they fulfill their job duties as parents, but they are even more amazing as grandparents. For that I am eternally and forever grateful. So today I am thankful for being so lucky to have been blessed with Dan and Carla Hagen as parents.”

 

 

So what are YOU thankful for this year? We’d love to know!

Apple Cider

Sarah’s Double Duty Mulled Cider

Property Geek Sarah recently spoiled us with one of her family’s traditional fall treats — Mulled Apple Cider. The perfect combination of sweet and tart, it combines two of our favorite fall highlights… sipping warm beverages and being able to use some of the apples we picked from our local orchards.

For as long as she can remember, her mom has made this mulled apple cider one time each year – on Thanksgiving. When she got old enough, it became her job to put the recipe together before all of their extended family descended on the house for a traditional Thanksgiving. About 10 years ago, Sarah and her cousins started taking over hosting the holidays from their parents. Since her mom had always been in charge of Thanksgiving, the responsibility for that holiday fell to her. Obviously she had to keep doing the cider, so her mom’s old percolator and the secret recipe was passed down to her. Rumor has it the percolator is the original one her grandma has always used so it’s doubly sentimental making the recipe in her vintage container. Now that her own children have gotten older, they love to help make the cider as people are arriving, just like she did.

Sarah took it a step further and added her own special tweak to the recipe — for adults only! She’s found that adding a dash of caramel vodka into the cup makes for some delicious warm caramel apple cider. A drizzle of caramel in would also be a great touch!

We decided to call it Double Duty Mulled Cider because not only does it taste fabulous but it will also make your house smell delicious.

 Double Duty Mulled Apple CiderPercolator of CiderMulled Apple Cider

Sarah’s Recipe for Double Duty Mulled Apple Cider

If you don’t have a percolator, you can add all of the ingredients to a large stockpot or your slow cooker and simmer gently.

In the percolator basket, add:

½ large orange, sliced
8-10 whole cloves
3-4 cinnamon sticks
A few handfuls of brown sugar
One gallon of plain apple cider.

Let us know what you think if you decide to try it. And if you’re a seller who’s having a Fall Open House, having a batch of this brewing for when potential buyers come through wouldn’t hurt!